Sizzling Ponty blitz Llanelli

Pontypridd helped themselves to five tries on the way to winning the Principality Premiership play-off final victory over Llanelli in emphatic fashion at Sardis Road with a stunning 47-15 victory.

It was another complete performance from the defending champions to complete a historic first double for the club following their SWALEC Cup victory a fortnight ago.

Ponty were In front from the fifth minute when Simon Humberstone kicked the first of four penalties. Thereafter, the first half was a procession of Pontypridd scorers with Llanelli finding the hosts too hot to handle.

Humberstone doubled Pontypridd's advantage in the 10th minute after a spot of obstruction on the touchline and six became 13 after referee Ian Davies penalised Llanelli at scrum time. A quickly taken free kick created the space and captain Chris Dicomidis galloped 30 yards for Humberstone to convert.

A penalty after 17 minutes from Jordan Williams did give the Scarlets some hope, but their joy was short-lived as Pontypridd added a second try of the afternoon via the talented hands of Humberstone. Quick ruck ball was worked into the hands of the outside half and though Llanelli appeared to have held up the outgoing pivot, he was driven over the line for a try he duly improved.

Try number three and the touchdown that was to bring an end to any feint hopes Llanelli might have had of emulating their feat two years ago, arrived seven minutes before the interval. Llanelli hooker Kirby Myhill overthrew at a line out on half way and allowed Wales Sevens star Rhys Shellard to score a quite outstanding individual try.

The openside, who was celebrating 100 appearances for the Valley Commandoes collected at the tail of the line and brushed off three paper thin tackles before outstripping Llanelli's cover to touch down for a try that Humberstone, once again, converted. With the final kick of the half, Humberstone extended the advantage by three with another penalty, from in front.

Humberstone's next, following a late tackle from Williams, three minutes into the second half, put 30 points between the sides, but after their most impressive passage of play, just short of the hour, Llanelli finally found their way over the Pontypridd try line. There were nine phases in the build-up before Nic Reynolds was sent in at the posts courtesy of a smart, try scoring pass from fellow centre Chris Keenan.

It took Pontypridd precisely two minutes to register their latest response. An incisive break from 40 metres out, from full back Adam Thomas, created the gap and Matthew Nuttall did the rest for Humberstone to once again convert. It was to be the pivot's final piece of action as he was immediately given a welcome break.

To their credit, Llanelli struck back once more with Kristian Phillips touching down with eight minutes remaining. However, it was Pontypridd who had the final say - replacement Darran Harris swatting to one side two tackles to score his side's fifth and final try.

Having signed a national dual contract earlier in the week, Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be hoping for a double celebration by leading his country to second place in the NatWest 6 Nations when coming up against France in the final round.

George North inched closer to Shane Williams record of 22 tries in the Six Nations, his brace taking him to third on the list with Gareth Edwards (18) now in his sights. He looks back on a job well done by Wales.

Taulupe Faletau is looking forward to his first game as Wales captain where he will play alongside debutant James Davies in a fresh looking back row against Italy in the NatWest 6 Nations tomorrow afternoon in Cardiff

Head coach Warren Gatland has handed 'world-class' Taulupe Faletau the captaincy for Wales' clash against Italy on Sunday, and believes it is an opportunity for Wales to get even 'more out of him in terms of leadership qualities'

The Wales squad reported back into camp this morning ahead of Sunday's vital NatWest 6 Nations encounter against Italy. Assistant coach Neil Jenkins says the return of Taulupe Faletau is a big plus for the team.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde pays Ireland credit for their victory last Saturday in the NatWest 6 Nations but refuses to get bogged down with the result as there is a bigger picture to think about as well - the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.